After reporting yesterday about Dale Perry joining up to play bass with Grasstowne, I contacted Pine Mountain Railroad to see who had stepped into the banjo spot that Dale had vacated.

We heard right back from bass player Bill McBee, with information about the band’s new lineup and the hot young super picker they have brought on board.

“Good to hear about Dale finding a new spot with the boys of Grasstowne. He departed PMRR a couple of months ago to take care of personal business.  All of us certainly admire his talent and knowledge of bluegrass and gospel music; we wish him nothing but the best.

Seth Taylor, of Bryson City, NC, has joined us on banjo and also doubles on some guitar leads. Seth is one of the brightest rising stars in bluegrass. In 2008, Seth won the Merlefest Adult Guitar Championship. This year, Seth won the Merlefest Adult Banjo Championship as well. On top of that, Seth is very accomplished on both mandolin and dobro; he also appeared at IBMA last year as a distinguished member of Kids on Bluegrass along with Sierra Hull and a host of terrifically talented young pickers.

Seth is an extremely intelligent young man, an advanced-placement home schooled student. Seth is more mature than his years might suggest and travels – and performs – like a true pro picker. He has been lighting up audiences already at Bean Blossom, Turkey Tracks, and other festival/concert appearances around the country as our newest member. Several instrumentals we perform, such as Big Mon and Rebecca, showcase him switching between guitar and banjo during the numbers – all performed flawlessly and at a high rate of speed.”

You can look over the PMRR tour schedule online to see when you might have a chance to catch Seth with the band at a show in your neck of the woods.